Law targets non-compliant businesses, landlords

By Emily Setona

QWAQWA – Economic, Small Business, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs and Finance MEC Ketso Makume, has issued a stern warning to local business owners and property landlords at the recent Entrepreneurs’ Expo, held at Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Hall this week.

Speaking during Entrepreneurship Month, Makume stressed the importance of adhering to the new compliance standards introduced under Act 2 of 2024. This act, designed to address pressing issues in the local economy, will enforce strict regulations on all businesses, with penalties applying to both foreign nationals and local landlords who permit non-compliant businesses on their properties.

Thabo Mokoena, a tuck shop owner in Ha Rankopane, lamented lack of support for local businesses as a major challenge in the community.

“The government talks about this Act to help us become compliant and economically empowered, but as South Africans, we don’t support each other. Our products may have different bar codes than those sold by foreign nationals, but people still choose to buy from them. They won’t support me as Mokoena but will support those selling products that could harm them and their children,” Mokoena told The Guard.

Sabata Lepele, another local business owner, echoed similar concerns, questioning the government’s approach to empowering locals.

“One of the presenters mentioned that most shops are owned by foreign nationals. My question is, how is the government equipping us, the locals, to run our businesses especially tuck shops when they’re focused on clamping down on foreign-owned shops in the name of compliance? What about the problems this might create?”

Responding to these concerns, Makume stressed that the new act would enforce accountability among both business operators and property owners. “Once the premier signs this act, it will be in full effect, so business owners must prepare for the consequences of non-compliance.”

Tuck shop owners and entrepreneurs at the Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose hall for the entrepreneurship expo.

“Our locals who rent their property to non-compliant foreign traders without proper permits or adherence to municipal bylaws must understand that they, too, will face charges. People cannot sell expired goods, drugs, or illegal items on your property without your knowledge.

This law will enable us to charge both the tenant and the landlord who allows such activity. Our community must start supporting each other and direct their buying power to local businesses instead of those that may harm their health,” he added.

Act 2 of 2024 aims to boost economic empowerment and protect public health by setting rigorous compliance standards for all businesses, foreign and locally-owned.

Property owners will be held responsible for any unlawful or harmful goods sold on their premises, reinforcing consumer safety and encouraging the community to support reliable, compliant local businesses.